Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics
at Mount Aloysius College
Associate’s Degree
As technology evolves, society relies more and more on skilled cybersecurity professionals to keep us–and our data–safe. At the Mount, our cybersecurity students gain hands-on experience using the programs and applications that professionals rely on in the field, all while studying under professors with years of professional, government, and military experience.
Mountie cybersecurity students have found careers and internships at many high-value organizations, like:
Students studying cybersecurity at the Mount are provided with quality resources that allow them to flourish in IT and computer-related professions, supporting the development of high-demand technical skills.
Program Highlights
Check out our dedicated cybersecurity lab, and learn why our program is recognized by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security!
Courses Designed to Prepare You for Your Career
The Mount’s cybersecurity and digital forensics program is designed to not only provide you with the knowledge and skills to help you be successful in future jobs, but to help you explore your passions and expand your horizons. Check out more information about the opportunities available to you.
Quick Facts About the Cybersecurity Program at Mount Aloysius
- Associate’s degree program (2 years to complete), with option to continue into a bachelor’s degree program in IT
- Minor available
- Competition and challenge opportunities for cybersecurity students
- Learn in a dedicated cybersecurity lab named as a Center for Academic Excellence by the NSA
- Professors have unique, varied professional experience, including working with the government and in the private sector
- High job placement rates
- Remote internship opportunities
- Online, hybrid and flexible classes
AI Fundamentals Certificate
Gain foundational knowledge about AI, like how AI models are created, how they’re utilized, and how they affect our society. You’ll learn more about the pros and cons of AI utilization, participate in critical discussion on the ethics of AI use and the policies and regulations that need to be created for artificial intelligence, and discover the companies that are spearheading those ethics and regulations conversations. The four-course certification program concludes with a capstone project designed to showcase your ability to use, discuss, and analyze AI models.
Additional certifications and trainings offered through our partnership with the Fortinet Academy
Cybersecurity focuses on the measures taken to protect digital information against unauthorized access or attack.
Digital forensics involves the recovery and investigation of digital devices, related to computer crime. Possible careers include:
- Compliance Officer
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Cryptoanalyst/cryptographer
- Cyber Risk Manager
- Digital Forensics Specialist
- Ethical Hacker / Penetration Tester
- Information Security Analyst
- Intelligence Investigator
- Law Enforcement Officers
- Network Applications Supervisor
- Networks & Systems Engineer
- Security Administrator
- Security Analyst/Architect
- Security Consultant
- Security Engineer
- Security Software Designer
Annual median salary for cyber security analyst in PA: $99,639
Annual median salary for cybersecurity professionals in PA: $110,230
Sources: Zip Recruiter, Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Fundamental Knowledge – Students will demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of core cybersecurity principles.
- Cyber Defense – Students will demonstrate knowledge of threat mitigation and will demonstrate the ability to apply cyber defense methods to a system to repel attacks.
- Digital Forensics – Students will demonstrate knowledge in the rules, laws, policies, and procedures that affect digital forensics and demonstrate the ability to use one or more common digital forensic investigation tools.
- Media Analysis – Students will describe methods and approaches for forensic analysis on specified media, and demonstrate the ability to extract and analyze recovered data using a variety of forensically-sound techniques.
- Device and Network Analysis – Students will demonstrate the ability to use common tools to analyze and decipher network traffic, identify anomalous or malicious activity, and provide a summary of the effects on the system.
MAC Cybersecurity Program Named “Center of Academic Excellence” by NSA
The designation of Center of Academic Excellence for Cyber Defense is awarded to US colleges and universities who meet the NSA and DHS’ rigorous standards for cybersecurity teaching and awareness. It recognizes colleges whose programs fall in line with expectations for instruction and support. In their review of the Mount’s cybersecurity program, the NSA and DHS looked at assessment data, curriculum, student transcripts, campus activities, and how cybersecurity is integrated into other programs on campus.
Gain Real-World Experience with Game-Based Challenges
The Mount Aloysius College Cyber Defense Team regularly competes in the National Cyber League, which provides students with hands-on experience in areas such as network traffic analysis, cryptography, open-source intelligence, and digital forensics through realistic, game-based challenges. These competitions allow students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and build teamwork and professionalism. In addition to NCL, the team hosts in-house challenges and participates in other events as available, such as the Magnet Virtual Summit Capture the Flag, further enriching students’ preparation for careers in cybersecurity. The team is led by faculty coach Justin Williams with support from student co-captains.
Earn Additional Certifications & Training through the Fortinet Academy
The Fortinet Academic Program benefits current cybersecurity and IT students by giving them free access to industry-recognized NSE training courses, hands-on labs with Fortinet technologies, and exam vouchers to earn professional certifications. These offerings let students build practical skills in areas like network security, firewall administration, and secure infrastructure while they are still in school, helping bridge the gap between academic coursework and real-world job requirements. Because the curriculum aligns with in-demand roles and employer expectations, students who complete Fortinet training and certifications graduate with stronger résumés, increased confidence, and a competitive edge when pursuing internships and full-time security or IT positions.
Affordable Tuition
Make an investment in your future with a quality, career-focused education at an affordable rate. Plus, check out our scholarships and institutional aid opportunities–99% of Mountie students receive some form of financial aid!
Questions?
Our admissions counselors are here to answer any questions you may have!
Email: admissions@mtaloy.edu
Phone: 814-886-6383